She's His Everything (He's My Body Guard Sequel)

(15) New Years Day

"Oh my God Tori what happened to you?! Where have you been?" Jackson came to my aid taking my full weight before the highly intoxicated girl I was leaning against dumped me on the concrete in front of our apartment door. I couldn't even form a complete sentence in this state. I had never felt this shit faced my entire life, but then again I hadn't felt this empty inside since my parents died. "What's wrong with her?" He asked my new friend I had only met a few hours ago and couldn't remember the name of at this exact second because my mind was so incredibly foggy. She giggled not being much help considering she wasn't much more sober than me.

"What do you think? It's New Year's." Girl slurred plopping down to take off her chunky heels. Jackson tried to help me to my feet but my lifeless body couldn't stand without someone's support. "How did you get here? Are you driving?" He further interrogated Girl. She shook her head and I felt dizzy imagining shaking my own head. Jackson breathed out in relief. "Let me help you downstairs, Tori do not move." His voice was stern and angry. I saluted him and tried to focus on anything but my head was spinning and I couldn't get myself together. I laid back on the carpet half of my body sticking out the door trying to remember my night and everyone I'd encountered instead of thinking about Rayner or I would cry. I recounted my day anyway starting with the reason I'd gotten this way in the first place.

"I'm going to Rayner's what are you doing tonight Jack?" He shrugged folding some towels at the kitchen table while I washed dishes watching him from over the bar. "Come on the king of parties doesn't have plans on New Years Eve?" He chuckled shaking his head at my comment.

"I don't really know anyone yet Tori. Ramona wants me to work tonight anyway she's throwing a party for the senator." I nodded my head in understanding. "You could always go out with me and Rayner, Jackson. We are suppose to be going to a 18+ club, not that an age restriction has ever stopped you from entering a party." This had him cackling again. "Please?" He shrugged again and I knew he was still hesitant to be around Rayner. There was still bad blood there.

"I will probably just work Tor, I am not upset about it. I actually like working at the country club." I nodded my head in disappointment. "Well if you change your mind we are going to Trinity." He was not coming I could tell by his body language. "I'm going to take Kato for a walk will you put those towels away?" I sighed nodding my head. He'd been shutting me out a lot these past few days and I wasn't sure what was bothering him so badly.

After I finished the rest of the cleaning and laundry I took a quick shower and started getting ready. I really wanted to look hot tonight but it was still cold so I went with a quarter sleeved form fitted dress covered in gold sequins pairing it with a pair of black tights and tall black heels. Rayner texted me he was on his way just as I was finishing my hair. I stared at myself in the mirror feeling a sinking feeling in my gut all of a sudden unsure of why that was but I rarely used my instincts.

"Tori?" Rayner entered my bedroom dressed in a black button up and dark wash jeans sporting some brand new sneakers. "Ready?" His eyes darkened seeing me in my dress. I nodded smearing some gloss on my lips, grabbing my clutch and heading out with him. Jackson was locked away in his bedroom and I didn't see a point in telling him goodbye because he knew I was leaving.

"I hope you know how hard it is for me not to just take you back to my house and call this entire night off." He licked his full lips gripping the steering wheel tightly. I clenched my thighs together tightly trying to contain the excitement his words gave me. "Rayner!" I scolded him but would not protest to his latter plan. We entered the booming building and right away I felt the same sinking feeling in the pit of my stomach. I couldn't place it, I wasn't in emanate danger, we weren't arguing, everything was seemingly perfect. I chalked it up to anxiety, but I should have taken Rayner's previous offer and headed to his home to spend a romantic evening.